Imago Gallery Celebrates 20 Years - Inside Art with Michael Rose

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Michael Rose, Art Contributor

 

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PHOTO: Michael Rose

 

Two decades in business is an impressive milestone in any industry, but particularly so in the fickle realm of the visual arts. In Warren, the artist-run Imago Gallery is in the midst of celebrating twenty years and is mounting a special show featuring forty artists to celebrate. The exhibition, titled “20 Years / 40 Artists”, is on view through December 23 and includes a range of artworks that hint at the broad influence that Imago enjoys on the Rhode Island art scene.

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Located in a corner storefront at 36 Market Street in the heart of Warren, Imago has long been recognized as an important center for the visual arts in the East Bay. It is dedicated to showing the work of its member artists as well as invited and guest artists in its bright gallery space, and also frequently hosts musical performances and other cultural offerings as well. On December 2 from 5-8 pm, the group will host a celebratory opening for their anniversary exhibition that will highlight the Bristol Shakespeare Readers’ Group who will present selections of quotations. The gallery is a warm and inviting art venue well situated in one of the state’s most charming enclaves.

 

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PHOTO: Michael Rose

 

Speaking about the impact Imago has had on the community, the organization’s president, Linda Megathlin, says, “From the very beginning, we envisioned Imago as an organization run by artists to give artists a supportive community and place to develop and grow their talents, experiment with new ways of making art and learn from each other. Our exhibiting artists and community members are all actively involved in running the gallery and offering public programs and community events that have brought art from around the world to one of Rhode Island's smallest towns. We're proud of the impact we've had on our participating artists, the community and our role in helping to make Warren and the East Bay an arts destination.”

 

The current show at Imago highlights some of the artists who have been involved with the organization over the years. Paintings, prints, and mixed media works are presented alongside photography and video in an exhibition that celebrates the vibrancy of not only Imago, but the statewide artist community as a whole. Artists with a range of experience, from those who are self-taught to college-level educators, are presented on an equal playing field in the show, which will inspire visitors to learn more about the works on view.

 

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PHOTO: Michael Rose

 

The exhibition has highlights in a variety of categories. Painter Eileen Mayhew has landscapes in the exhibition that are executed in subdued tones and with precise compositions. In one, the tower of Warren’s town hall takes center stage. There are plentiful mixed media works on offer as well, with assemblages by artists Linda Di Frenna, Michael Marino, and Mercedez Nunez being some of the most impressive objects in the show. Rhode Island College professor Stephen Fisher has an enticingly detailed intaglio print on view, not far from a thoughtful and well-structured photograph by Doug Breault, who teaches at Babson College and Bridgewater State University. Upon entering the gallery, one of the first works to catch viewers’ attention will be Jeanne Arthur’s vibrant oil on canvas titled “3 Pearls”, which features surreal swirls of form and color.

 

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PHOTO: Michael Rose

 

Although the gallery enjoys a proud extended history, Imago president Linda Megathlin is equally excited for what the future holds and details near term plans, saying, “For the past 20 years, we've shown that art has a unique power to enrich lives, inspire creativity, and transform our world. We want to keep it going with programming that includes regular concerts, poetry, and film and video events in addition to the visual arts. In 2024, we hope to build on this year's successful youth poetry program, provide more opportunities for emerging and mid-career artists and sponsor a special exhibit celebrating the talents and contributions of Rhode Island art educators.”

 

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PHOTO: Michael Rose

 

With so much rich and varied artwork on view in this special anniversary exhibition, there is much to see and there is truly something for every taste. Whether it be ceramics, basketry, painting, printmaking, or works executed in other media, the exhibition has a lot to see and appreciate. The group’s current exhibition shows that Imago Gallery is a bright spot on the local art scene and proves what can be accomplished when artists come together to make space for themselves and their peers.

 

Imago Gallery is located at 36 Market Street in Warren, and its exhibition “20 Years / 40 Artists” is on view through December 23. The gallery will host a reception for the exhibition on Saturday, December 2 from 5-8 pm. Exhibition hours are Thursdays 12-3 pm, Fridays and Saturdays 12 - 6 pm, and Sundays 12 - 4 pm. Learn more at www.imagofoundation4art.org.

Michael Rose is a multi-talented fine art professional based in Southern New England. Since 2014 he has served as the gallery manager at the historic Providence Art Club, one of the nation’s oldest arts organizations. Through his current freelance work he advises collectors and artists, provides appraisal services, teaches, and completes curatorial projects.

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